Do I want "the application 'sharingd' to accept incoming network connections?"

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Do I want "the application 'sharingd' to accept incoming network connections?"

I just set up a new Macbook Pro and used it for a couple weeks before migrating my old macbook pro (late2008). After doing the migration yesterday, I immediately began receiving upon start up, a message with a yellow explanation point, reading "Do you want the application 'sharingd' to accept incoming network connections?'

I didn't receive this message before doing the migration. Can someone tell me if this is something that I should allow or deny? I've looked this up, but am not finding a clear answer.

Thanks!

Macbook Pro 2019

OS 10.15.7

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 20, 2020 9:03 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

John Galt

Level 10

140,930 points

Oct 20, 2020 4:28 PM in response to imaginary_forest

It's the macOS process used for all sharing services; "sharing" meaning anything that facilitates using a Mac for services such as file sharing, screen sharing, etc. It needs to be enabled if you want to do that (obviously). You can read about it here: Share your Mac screen, files, and services with other users on your network.

The context of your question implies you enabled the macOS application firewall. Are you sure you require it? What are you expecting it to accomplish?

Change Firewall preferences on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Oct 20, 2020 4:21 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks for answering. If you wouldn't mind telling me a bit more, what is the application "sharingd?" Does it just enable the sharing process inherent in migrating data from one computer to another?

And, by "disable," you mean "deny" incoming network connections in the prompt?

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Answer 3

Oct 21, 2020 6:06 AM in response to John Galt

Ok, it sounds as if "sharingd" should be left enabled in the case of future operations that might require it + it doesn't sound like there is any harm in having it on, but let me know if I'm wrong here. I have an external screen that may use it.

Thank you for your help!

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Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

140,930 points

Oct 20, 2020 11:45 AM in response to imaginary_forest

Sharing preferences are shown in System Preferences > Sharing. I surmise Migration Assistant needed to enable sharing services for it to work. You can disable it if you wish.

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

140,930 points

Oct 21, 2020 9:08 AM in response to imaginary_forest

👍

sharingd is normal. Even with Sharing services enabled no one can access that Mac without correct login credentials.

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Do I want "the application 'sharingd' to accept incoming network connections?"

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